Conservation

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Florida Alters Regs To Combat Lionfish

Florida has made several regulatory changes to better combat the growing lionfish problem. Introduced in the late 1980s, lionfish populations have boomed in recent years, negatively impacting native wildlife and habitat.

Exuma Cays Park Fees Increasing

For those headed to Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park (ECLSP) in the Bahamas, here’s your heads-up that the fee structure for visitors has changed.

Nonnative fish provide fishing alternatives; some with no bag limits

Florida freshwater anglers target at least 25 species of native fishes. Most are within a 45-minute drive of anyone wanting to wet a line. In addition to those, the free Florida Big Catch angler recognition program (BigCatchFlorida.com) features six species of exotic fishes from other countries and several fish species that expanded their ranges from farther north.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Water is the most abundant molecule on the surface of the earth, covering over 70 percent of the planet. It …

Anglers for Conservation Teaching Kids To Fish

Captain Rodney Smith and his wife Karen, along with the loyal cadre of Anglers for Conservation, have been helping teach kids to fish for over a decade.

Florida: An Angler’s Paradise and Responsibility

The American Sportfishing Association reports over 3 million licensed anglers statewide. As such, the fishing industry collects over $800 million annually, boosting our local economy and communities. Chances are you own a boat or know someone who does. With so many lines dropping into the water, our fish can take quite a beating during their lifetime.

Popular This Month

Outfitting Your Boat for Offshore Fishing

Outfitting a boat for offshore fishing can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing safety, education, and reliable equipment is key to success. From investing in quality safety gear and electronics to choosing versatile tackle and learning from experienced boaters, the right preparation helps reduce risk and maximize your time on the water. Check out some great tips here!

Lake Calcasieu—the Model Estuary

Lake Calcasieu, known as “Big Lake,” stands out as a model estuary thanks to its rich blend of river flow and surrounding marshes that create an incredibly fertile ecosystem. This nutrient-driven system supports thriving populations of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder, making it one of the most productive and sought-after fisheries on the Gulf Coast.

The Evolution of Tackle

This article explores the deep historical roots of fishing gear, revealing that basic tools like hooks and rods date back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like Egypt and China. It traces the transition from primitive materials—such as shell hooks and horsehair lines—to modern innovations like fiberglass rods, monofilament lines, and precision-engineered reels. Ultimately, the piece highlights how today's high-tech tackle is a refined evolution of original concepts driven by advanced engineering and new materials.

Don’t Think About This the Next Time You Go Fishing

Fishing is full of quirky superstitions—from “no bananas on the boat” to the dreaded first-cast curse—but whether rooted in history or just habit, they all shape how we experience a day on the water. In the end, belief or not, every angler knows there’s always one more chance… the last cast.

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Owen’s First Wahoo

41”snook

20 inch sheepshead

ELLE with a snook